13 If the owner wishes to redeem the animal, a fifth must be added to its value.
13 But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.
13 But if he wishes to redeem it, he shall add a fifth to the valuation.
13 If the owner changes his mind and wants to redeem it, he must add twenty percent to its value.
13 But if he wants at all to redeem it, then he must add one-fifth to your valuation.
13 If you want to buy back the animal, you must pay the value set by the priest, plus 20Â percent.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 27:13
Commentary on Leviticus 27:1-13
(Read Leviticus 27:1-13)
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons who thus dedicated themselves might be employed as assistants; in general they were to be redeemed for a value. It is good to be zealously affected and liberally disposed for the Lord's service; but the matter should be well weighed, and prudence should direct as to what we do; else rash vows and hesitation in doing them will dishonour God, and trouble our own minds.